POLITICAL HEGEMONY AS A THREAT TO ATTAINING GOOD GOVERNANCE IN A PLURALIST NIGERIA

Abstract

Nowadays, our country Nigeria is experiencing security challenges and serious political upheavals. The political arena is supposed to be democratic with its open and accommodating platform for fair play among the contestants from the various areas of the country. However, a seemingly hegemonic culture is gradually sweeping over the political sphere. An important problem, therefore arises when the vehicle to ensuring good governance is not guaranteed. It follows that in any country where good governance is lacking; the common good which is the ideal goal of the democratic state becomes elusive. The goal of good governance is the raison d'être of democratic and constitutional government. Good governance presupposed the rule of law and effective functioning of the various arms of government, all tiers. But where this is beset with hegemonic influence from the powers that be, creating a tensed climate rid with fear, the future of Nigeria calls for question. Using analytic method, this paper makes an analysis of the situation with Nigeria and goes on to demonstrate that if the hegemonic trend is not checked, the aspiration for good governance will not be attainable in the country.